What is a podcast and how do I use it?

Alas, we live in a digital world these days. Be it the smartphones in our pockets, the vehicles we drive, or the computers we depend on daily — digital is here and here to stay. Along with that are some exciting new forms of media.

We here at Ohio Ag Net recently started a podcast ourselves talking the latest issues in agriculture, featuring those from all corners of the industry.

Podcasts really are great ways to deliver information to more people across the internet, in addition to the more traditional form of broadcast communication. However, we realize not everyone is familiar with the world of podcasts. This blog will look to give a quick introduction on how to best utilize them.

What is a podcast?

A podcast is a piece of digital audio that’s distributed across the internet, available for downloading to a computer or mobile device. They can range in topic and length depending on the creator.

Where can I find a podcast and how do I tune in?

The foremost resource for listening to podcast is iTunes from Apple. In fact, the name ‘podcast’ comes from the fact that the media type was coined by Apple for its extremely popular iPods in the early 2000s.

There are multiple ways to listen to various podcasts, but we recommend venturing to iTunes and their podcasting app. From there, search for Ohio Ag Net and find our podcast channel. Hitting the subscribe option will make sure you follow the podcast for each update in the future. A download feature is also available so they can be easily listened to when the phone or computer is not connected to the internet. With podcasts being on-demand forms of media, this means old episodes are always up for listening. If you’re late to the podcast scene, no worries — you can jump in from episode one or just start listening to the latest addition.

For those without iPhones or Apple products on hand, popular smartphone apps for listening include Pocket Casts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play Music. In addition to these apps, the Ohio Ag Net Podcast can easily be listened to on our website as well, posted every Wednesday evening.

When do I listen?

Easy answer — any time! Podcasts are made for flexibility and enjoyment for everyone everywhere. Listen in the cab of a tractor, the drive to work, or when you’re sitting at home. They’re on demand and, if downloaded to your listening device, ready at anytime, no matter the internet connection.

But why?

Podcasts range in size and scope from quick news updates that last five minutes, to longer, more in-depth audio documentaries that last a couple hours. It’s a big world and will take some time to find the best podcasts for your listening habits. Each podcast episode, no matter the “station” has its own typed out description so the searching listener can get a quick idea of what’s in store. Don’t like the description? No need to listen. Get out there and start looking!

Keep in mind that some podcasts have an “E” beside their name. This means they are explicit in nature, containing adult language/content.

Why should I listen to the Ohio Ag Net Podcast?

Ohio Ag Net and Ohio’s Country Journal focuses much of our work on the broadcasting and writing of news stories, with opinion pieces from time to time. The format of podcasting allows the team to take a more relaxed approach to telling the story of agriculture, looking at the latest happenings across ag and the world in general. It’s a more informal look at the industry, and gives an in-depth look at a number of issues we cover throughout the year. The length usually varies from half an hour to an entire 60 minutes, depending on the topics covered each week. It’s a bit more personality mixed with fun and adventure, all wrapped around the stories in agriculture that matter.

Overall, we continue to provide the same news coverage that we’re known for with the addition of our podcast. We hope you tune in and enjoy!

Weather | Powered By Seed Consultants

January 21, 2019 — After most of the state got blasted with a winter storm this weekend, and most areas picked up anticipated snow totals, we shift into an interesting pattern that is developing for the coming 10 days. …There looks to be a few instances of “whipsaw” like weather, particularly as it relates to temperatures, between now and the end of the month.